cat and mouse

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cat and mouse

The children play a game of cat and mouse on the playground.

Definition

Noun: 1. A children's chasing game: A game, often played in a circle, where one player (the "mouse") tries to enter or escape a circle formed by other players, while a second player (the "cat") tries to catch them. The circle participants raise or lower their joined hands to help or hinder the players. 2. A situation of pursuit and evasion: A situation characterized by one party relentlessly pursuing and another cleverly evading, often implying a prolonged and strategic contest where the advantage shifts back and forth.

Usage Examples
  • The children spent the afternoon playing a lively game of cat and mouse on the playground.
  • The detective knew the suspect was leading him on a frustrating cat and mouse chase through the city.
  • Their negotiations became a tedious cat and mouse game, with neither side willing to make the first real concession.
Advanced Usage
  • "to play (a game of) cat and mouse (with someone)": This is the most common verbal phrase. It describes engaging in a prolonged interaction where one party pursues and the other evades.
    • The hacker and the security team played a complex game of cat and mouse for weeks.
    • The journalist felt the source was playing cat and mouse with her, giving hints but never full information.
Variants and Related Words
  • Cat-and-mouse (adjective): Used to describe the nature of such an interaction.
    • The investigation turned into a cat-and-mouse struggle.
  • Pursuit (n): The action of following or chasing someone or something.
  • Evasion (n): The action of escaping or avoiding something.
Synonyms
  • Chase
  • Pursuit
  • Game of wits
  • Tug-of-war (in the context of a prolonged struggle)
Related Idioms
  • "A wild goose chase": A futile search or pursuit of something unattainable. (This emphasizes the futility, whereas "cat and mouse" emphasizes the strategic back-and-forth.)
  • "To run rings around someone": To outwit or outmaneuver someone easily. (This describes the outcome for the "mouse," while "cat and mouse" describes the ongoing process.)
cat and mouse

The children play a game of cat and mouse on the playground.

Noun
  1. a game for children in which the players form a circle and join hands; they raise their hands to let a player inside the circle or lower their hands to bar a second player who is chasing the first

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